In what was most likely a case of mistaken identity, three males — who may have been gang members — recently threatened a Portland man.

Portland Police officers responded to the 100 block of South Commons Way on July 28 at 9:39 p.m. in reference to a call regarding shots fired in the area. They made contact with a man who said he had been confronted by three Hispanic males. He said the men arrived in a light-colored, small truck and began arguing with him.

The victim’s wife said the men kept asking for unknown subjects, and she told them that she did not know the people they were looking for.

“We’re pretty sure that it was a case of mistaken identity,” said Portland Police Investigator Aaron Veuleman.

Officers were advised that one of the men was yelling, ‘Tango Corpitos’ or, ‘Tango Corpus,’ and flashing gang signs. Veuleman said Tango Corpitos is a gang in the Corpus Christi area.

“These gang members were not from Portland,” Veuleman added. “They were more likely from Gregory or Taft.”

When the victims advised the men to leave, one of the men retrieved a long knife from the truck, and began approaching the residence. The male victim retrieved his Savage .22 rifle from inside the residence and aimed it at the three men. The man with the knife continued to advance, so the victim fired one round into the air. The three suspects then fled the scene.

Veuleman said no charges would be filed against the victim who fired the gun.

“He fired off one shot as a warning shot,” Veuleman said. “He felt his life was being threatened, so he took defensive measures.”

The male victim said he did not know any of the suspects.

Officers have made one arrest related to the incident and are investigating additional suspects, Veuleman said.